Senator Tries For Funding Of World Studies

WASHINGTON — The United States should create a National Endowment for International Studies as the centerpiece to an expanded program of cultural exchanges, Sen. Paul Simon, D-Ill., said Wednesday.

The cultural exchange program, which includes the Soviet Union, would benefit both sides because Americans would become familiar with the language and operations of other countries while foreigners would learn about America.

Simon said his proposals would cost $71.6 million.

''This is not pie in the sky,'' he said. ''I think it is essential for economic reasons. . . . I think it is essential for security reasons.''

Simon, who has written a book on the subject, said too few Americans know foreign languages. He used the example of the kidnapping of U.S. diplomats in Iran -- only six of the hostages could speak Farsi, he said.

In a Senate speech, Simon cited the necessity of understanding the Soviet Union and also of spreading the word about American values in other troubled parts of the world.

Both the State Department and the Defense Department have spoken favorably of the results of exchanges, he said.